The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-08-24
AND FEMALE SHOPPERS.
Usu Whs Csn MAKE Better bargains
Than Their Copceitsd Wives.

pOunoeu VI hsiuoh'y "o~e'S ~~
natronly superiority, which sug-
rested o short experience Of married
life, walked into downtown gents
furnishing store the other day, ac-
sompanied by an elderly lady who
might have been her husbands
nother-in.law. The old lady depos-
tied herself upon a stool, while the
younger ran her hand over pile Of
flannel shirts in manner TO display
her perfect familiarity with gentle
mems wearing apparel.
What's the price2" she asked Of
the smiling clerk who leaned over
with his hands on the counter, his
arms and body bowed with accom-
modating grace.
"Three- n a-half, num-"
"Three dollars and a half Isn't
that high for undersbirts2"
The clerk explained that the gar
ments referred to were not under
shirts, but the wooden outer shirts
now so popular with gentlemen.
The lady blushed, and looked to
see il anyone else had observed her
display OF ignorance.
well. OF course, but | guess /
won't take those this time. Give me
half q dozen gents white gauz un-
dershirts." Then with q self salts
fed air she ran her eye over the
stock Of long legged and divers arti-
eles Of doubtful and uncertain serv-
ice in . mans wardrobe.
What siEe" asked the clerk, AZ
he ran his hand up the sides Of the
block OF green pasteboard boxes.
"Oh, er-er-er the usual size, OF
course" replied the lady.
About" hesitated the clerk,
and the young matron turned i'm
ploring eyes upon her husbands
mother in law aud tried to look com
posed.
"Why-why-oh, forty. eight"
spoke up the old lady, plunsing into
the dilemma with q recklessness that
established her domestic standing.
is he very large manr' asked
the clerk, hesitating with the box
half of the shelf.
About your size"
Then | guess a thiriy-two will be
large enough" aud the little man
stood on the counter TO reach the
small sizes.
IL never saw n young married
woman who did not want TO buy all
her husbands clothes for him, said
the clerk TO reporter, as the Gus
toner trimmed out Of the store with
q little bundle under her arm.
"And | never knew one who would
not think all mems clothing was the
same sise. Those shirts will be
changed three times before the right
ht is got. BY the time she has been
married ten years, though, she will
know all about il. Her husband
won't buy collar for himself. She
will learn all the arts OF trade. She
will have him completely measured,
and will dictate the size and texture
OF every garment. She will keep
him Supplied with clothes and will
not spend as much money as h,
would"
do many women buy their bus
bands clothosY' asked the reporter.
with . promotion OF the decline OF
his domestic domination.
Lots Of them. They begin by
impressipg their husbands with the
idea that women can buy cheaper
than men. They gradually bring
about the conviction that for mau
20 attempt 10 buy anything for him =
cell would DO for him 10 recklessly
throw himself into the teeth OF
sharks. After that she buys him
O. cent shirts, that don't fl In the
neck, last years hats at half price,
and suits that have been reduced
from els TO a. lie is forced "a
acknowledge that he never before
paid 20 little for au outfit, aud the
vife's reputation and future position
Is established"
"Is !, true that women can buy
cheaper
"No. They buy lower priced
goods. but no cheaper. The mar
whose wife buys his clothes is nearly
always poorly dressed. There is NJ
style about him. OF course Their,
are exceptions, but they are rare. Il
you zee a man got up in CheaI
John fashion, with bagey trousers, I
coat that don't fit, with his oollal
aud neckbind al variance, and under
sired cuffs. you may guess that hi
wife dressed him.
ut is just tho contrary when I
man has iaucy Tor buying his wife
clothes" the clerk went on. "Sucl
men are rare. Most mon are, or pro
Tess 10 be, sublimely ignorant OF la
dies apparel. Some, however, bu.
nearly every article Of clothing worI
by wife or daughters. Their excus
il that they have good taste and the
always buy expensive goods. i hav
two such men In mind just AZ thi
moment, one j. man Of family al,
buys for his vile and daughters III
selects everything from a silk dres
10 ribbons and foe undergarm, nts
He buys even the baby clothes. Tn
other i young man, whose mothe
and sisters would not sbuy
bonnet or dress without hi
being present 10 approve.
These men are exceptions. Mos
OF thoss who come 10 buy ladieN
apparel affect 10 know nothing Of Oh
subject, aud throw themselves upo
the tender morcies OF the lad
clerks. They become conhdcntia
in their ignorance, aud We have /
be very watchiul 10 see that III
young ladies' don't trick then
These ignorant gentlemen shopp
are those whose wives arc out
town. aud they take the your
ladies OF the stores into their coui
dobce and ak their advice, II rcl
orally takes them longer 10 bJ
what they want than IL would 1
ordinary customer.
Nearly every man whose family